Chapter 10: New Hobby

Archie headed to school on Monday morning, feeling slightly elated. Everything seemed to be going fine. He was having an amazing time with Cheryl, he was captain of the football team, everything seemed to be working in his favor.

Of course, in a town like Riverdale, nothing seemed to be permanent. Something would come along to completely throw everything out of proportion.

He headed to class and stopped to talk with Jughead on the way.

"Jughead, do you want to hang out on Sunday?", Archie asked.

"Sure", Jughead said. "Also, I heard that you were selected as captain of the Riverdale football team. Congrats!"

"Yeah", Archie said. "It makes me feel ecstatic."

"Looking forward to your first game?", Jughead asked.

"Yeah", Archie said. "I feel slightly nervous."

"What are you nervous about? Not only are you the captain, but you're one of the star players on the team. You'll be fine."

"It's just a lot of responsibilities to take care of", Archie said. "A lot of people are counting on me. It's not going to be easy to be in Jason's shoes."

Archie took a deep breath. "This isn't something I originally planned. I wanted to play football and participate in more games. But then Jason died, and I was given a bigger role. I wouldn't have chosen any of this, but I will do my best to lead the Bulldogs to victory."

"I know you will."

"That's what Cheryl would have wanted as well", Archie said.

"Speaking of Cheryl, I've noticed you and Reggie were taking tutoring lessons from her", Jughead said.

Archie's heart was beating wildly. Did Jughead know?

"May I ask why?"

Archie could hardly contain himself from breathing a sigh of relief. It was okay, Jughead didn't know.

"We just needed help in some of our classes", Archie said, trying to think of a reasonable excuse. "We were struggling with some of the material, and Cheryl just happens to have the highest grade of everyone in our year at school."

"Oh", Jughead said. Archie could tell by his facial expression that he suspected that something else was happening. He tried to not think about that.

"Well, I got to get going", Archie said. "See you."

He headed to class, just looking forward to tutoring with Reggie and Cheryl. That was certainly a positive aspect of his day.

Finally, fifth period came along, and Archie headed to the library to study with Reggie and Cheryl. He wasn't feeling nervous or afraid. He had studied as hard as he could. He was sure he would be fine.

Archie sat down with Reggie and Cheryl, feeling confident.

"So, Archie, can you define the word benevolent?"

"Absolutely", Archie said. "Benevolent means to be well meaning and warmhearted."

"Correct."

Cheryl smiled at Archie. "I could easily describe you as benevolent. You clearly care about me."

Archie blushed slightly and held Cheryl's hand under the table for three seconds.

Cheryl then turned to Reggie.

"Reggie, can you define the word iconoclastic?"

"Um, yeah", Reggie said. "Iconoclastic is defined as an attack on cherished traditions or institutions."

"Correct."

Cheryl then turned to Archie.

"Archie, what is the meaning of the word retract?"

"The word retract means to draw or take back", Archie replied.

He already knew that he would never retract or have regrets about his relationship with Cheryl. Not just for his own sake, but for hers as well. Since they had started dating, Cheryl was clearly much happier. Even though Jason was dead and his killer was still on the loose, Archie knew that supporting Cheryl in this way would offer incredible consolation. Of course, he had to be careful that no one else noticed their behavior or secret activities together.

After fifth period, Archie was walking to his next class when he noticed something on the noticeboard. There were plenty of signs about the first football game the Riverdale Bulldogs would be playing. Archie knew he would have to devise strategies in their game against Centerville High School, but he wasn't worried. Archie was noticing a sign that was asking for volunteers to start a new sports team at Riverdale High School.

Archie knew that Riverdale High did not have a bowling team. If he and Cheryl went to the local bowling alley and tested their skills, maybe they could start a bowling team at Riverdale High. Of course, Archie and Cheryl knew that they would have to be at least decent enough at the sport. The plus side about this was that it would be a good chance for the two of them to spend more time together without anyone getting suspicious.

Archie texted Cheryl.

AA: I have an idea. Meet me at Pop's after school.

CB: Sounds good.

After school, Archie and Cheryl met at Pop's. Archie ordered the both of them milkshakes.

Cheryl drank her milkshake for about two minutes before breaking the silence.

"Archie, why did you call me here?"

"Cheryl, have you noticed that Riverdale High doesn't have a bowling team?"

"Yes."

"I was thinking that maybe you and I could start two bowling teams at Riverdale High. You could find players for the girls' bowling team and I can find some for the guys' team."

"That's not a bad idea, Archie."

Archie held Cheryl's hand under the table. "Cheryl, I know you've been frustrated because we haven't had many chances to hang out since we started dating. I know you've been through something hard. You have faced a tremendous loss. And I want to help you.

"This bowling team might be a good way to take your mind off of your troubles. Believe me, I'll still be looking for the person that killed Jason. I will be trying to get justice for Jason. I will make sure that whomever was responsible for Jason's death will atone. All for you."

"Thank you, Archie."

Archie smiled slightly at Cheryl. "I'll probably just go through my contacts and find some guys from the grade above us. That way we can stand a good chance. Maybe I'll get Kevin and Reggie involved in this as well."

He then looked around the restaurant. No one else was in the chocklit shoppe. Pop Tate was inside the kitchen.

"Quick hug?", Cheryl suggested.

The pair briefly embraced before leaving. Archie hoped that no one saw what just happened.